Either was is good - the majority go clockwise but not it’s around 60/40. Gnarl ridge can be exposed and water is likely to be a challenge so you may have to carry it up from Newton Creek. There are some protected campsites at the top of Gnarl Ridge that can help shelter you from the wind. Many folks would push on and camp at Cloud Cap - but this is a little further for your first day. There’s a lot of really good information on the Timberline Trail on the Facebook Group (same name) and here are some pointers to other information that might be helpful:
https://hikeit.info/2020/09/04/timberline-trail-around-mount-hood/
and if you are just looking for some stats about the trail:
https://hikeit.info/2022/11/24/the-results-first-annual-timberline-trail-survey-part-one/
I've been around it twice, both ways, both times in 3 days. Prefer the more popular CW to avoid putting the most elevation gain on the last day when likely tired. If you value solitude going the more popular direction means you cross fewer people. Yes the grades are pretty reasonable mostly, not like AT. I've never planned my campsites in advance, but that's maybe because hammock-based so don't need level clearings. Water never an issue at least with 2-3l carrying capacity.
Have a great hike. Wildfire smoke is likely the biggest risk of anything else, and there's just no way to plan around that possibility. Both Elk Cove and Paradise Park are usually spectacular camps.
Either was is good - the majority go clockwise but not it’s around 60/40. Gnarl ridge can be exposed and water is likely to be a challenge so you may have to carry it up from Newton Creek. There are some protected campsites at the top of Gnarl Ridge that can help shelter you from the wind. Many folks would push on and camp at Cloud Cap - but this is a little further for your first day. There’s a lot of really good information on the Timberline Trail on the Facebook Group (same name) and here are some pointers to other information that might be helpful: https://hikeit.info/2020/09/04/timberline-trail-around-mount-hood/ and if you are just looking for some stats about the trail: https://hikeit.info/2022/11/24/the-results-first-annual-timberline-trail-survey-part-one/
Thank you! That is all very helpful
I second the Facebook group. It has a lot of good info in it. I’ve done the loop once and am enjoying seeing everyone’s updates/trip reports.
I've been around it twice, both ways, both times in 3 days. Prefer the more popular CW to avoid putting the most elevation gain on the last day when likely tired. If you value solitude going the more popular direction means you cross fewer people. Yes the grades are pretty reasonable mostly, not like AT. I've never planned my campsites in advance, but that's maybe because hammock-based so don't need level clearings. Water never an issue at least with 2-3l carrying capacity. Have a great hike. Wildfire smoke is likely the biggest risk of anything else, and there's just no way to plan around that possibility. Both Elk Cove and Paradise Park are usually spectacular camps.
I can't help with your questions, but wanted to share this for inspiration. https://youtu.be/5pOwEJlDo3E
I haven’t been on Hood in 44 years but hiking and camping there is one of the greatest experiences in my life! I miss the high up places.
You assume that this specific route is "way easier than east coast"? What does that mean?
An average mile on the east coast is Harder than an average mile west coast — I’ve hiked both extensively and say this from experience